LeBron James has spent extra years of his life within the NBA than out of it, so when he sees a group enjoying dangerous basketball, he can inform — particularly when that group is his.
“We suck proper now,” he mentioned in an more and more acquainted dejected method after Friday evening’s 127-113 loss at house to the Memphis Grizzlies. “I’ve to indicate up and punch my card, keep optimistic and try to lead and encourage on the ground,” he mentioned when requested about what he must do to get the group again on observe.
The Los Angeles Lakers have already lifted a banner this season after beating the Pacers on Dec. 9 to win the inaugural NBA in-season tournament in Las Vegas.
Since that 123-109 victory, the Lakers have two completely different four-game shedding streaks and are 3-10 total, with two wins coming towards league bottom-dwellers within the Spurs and Hornets.
“Everybody retains citing Vegas, however it was simply two video games,” James mentioned. “We took care of that enterprise, however it was actually simply two video games.”
Now two video games below .500 and a half-game behind Golden State for the tenth seed and remaining play-in spot within the Western Conference standings, the Lakers would miss the postseason totally if the season ended as we speak.
Unsurprisingly, questions have began to swirl across the NBA about head coach Darvin Ham’s job safety after this disastrous stretch. Ham, nonetheless, advised ESPN’s Dave McMenamin earlier than Friday’s loss that he isn’t nervous about it.
“My governor, Jeanie Buss, the boss girl; our president, Robert Pelinka — we’re all aligned,” Ham mentioned. “So long as they don’t seem to be saying it, I assume I am good. Which I understand how they really feel about me and the state of affairs we’re presently in.”
Ham should really feel secure for now, however he seemingly will not for lengthy if he and the Lakers do not begin to stack wins quickly. James and fellow star Anthony Davis are actually nearer to the top of their careers than the start, and each season for them is championship or bust.
If Ham does not proper the ship rapidly, James and the Lakers will discover somebody they suppose can.